Top 10 Most Expensive Photos Sold at Auction

Can you guess the most expensive photos ever sold at auction? While us photographers know it can be an expensive hobby this list features photos shot with humble equipment, by today’s standards. Despite limitations some photographers take things to a whole new level setting world records selling their works.

The list of most expensive photos is based on official auction house prices and doesn’t reflect private sales. Just remember while most of us fork out thousands for our equipment the photos in this list were mostly shot on older camera gear without the features we all enjoy.

No. 10 – Edward Steichen, The Pond – Moonlight 1904

Price: $2,928,000Date: Sotheby’s New York in February 2006Type: Gum Bichromate print over Platinum

No. 9 – Cindy Sherman, Untitled Film Still 48

Price: $2,965,000Date: Christie’s New York in May 2015Type: Chromogenic color print

No. 8 – Richard Prince, Untitled (cowboy)

Price: $3,077,000Date: Sotheby’s New York May 2014Type: Ektacolour Print

No. 7 – Andreas Gursky, Chicago Board of Trade 1997

Price: $3,298,755Date: Sotheby’s London in June 2013Type: Chromogenic color print

No. 6 – Andreas Gursky, 99 Cent II Diptychon 2001

Price: $3,346,456Date: Sotheby’s London in February 2007Type: Chromogenic color print

No. 5 – Jeff Wall, Dead Troops Talk 1992

Price: $3,666,500Date: Christie’s New York in May 2012Type: Transparency in Lightbox

No. 4 – Gilbert & George, To Her Majesty 1973

Price: $3,765,276Date: Christie’s London in June 2008Type: Gelatin Silver print

No. 3 – Cindy Sherman, Untitled 96 1981

Price: $3,890,500Date: Christie’s New York in May 2011Type: Chromogenic color print

No. 2 – Richard Prince, Spiritual America 1981

(No photo due to child nudity)

Price: $3,973,000Date: Christie’s New York in May 2014Type: Ektacolor print

No. 1 – Andreas Gursky, Rhein II 1999

Price: $4,338,500Date: Christie’s New York in November 2011Type: Chromogenic color print

And there you have it, did they live up to your expectations? Are any of them your taste? More importantly will you create work that will stand tall in this list of most expensive photos? Always remember, it’s not about the money, but it doesn’t hurt either.